Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I know the minister dealt with part of the issue during his contribution to the second reading debate, but I want to raise the issue again. I know you would not do this, Minister, but during the process there was an opportunity for the Attorney-General to consult with the shadow Attorney-General about these matters, and I would encourage them to do that. It certainly makes all our lives a little easier if that happens. If it was the case that it was overlooked or rushed, then perhaps an explanation to the shadow Attorney-General might be in order.

In terms of content, they will deal with it in the House. It seems to go to the issue raised in the committee report. But even on that point, it may underpin that—it does in fact raise the issue of the worth of committee reports to be able to raise these issues and have sufficient time to deal with the legislation and go through it. What we find, of course, is that, having gone through the legislation, we do come up with committee reports which assist the legislative process and, dare I say, improve legislation. It is good to see that the government has sought to pick up those two recommendations and put them in the bill.